Short Papers Are a Valuable New Feature of AFS Annual Meetings

Short papers proved their worth at their
debut at the 2016 Joint AFS/ISFNR Meeting in Miami, so the 10-minute paper
format will join the 20-minute paper and diamond formats as standard individual
presentation options for the 2017 meeting. Short papers are scheduled in shorter
blocks, but are allotted more time for discussion; each paper has time
immediately afterwards for questions, and additional time reserved at the end
of the session for discussion of the panel as a whole.

Many of those who submitted individual paper
proposals in 2016 indicated their openness to the new option, and some distinctly
preferred it: of about 240 individual presentation proposals, 10 submitted
short papers, while more than a third said they "could go either way.”

Since up to six papers could be scheduled in
a two-hour block, this pool of the willing gave the program committee greater
flexibility in assembling panels. When common themes emerged, the committee
could rely on those who could go short to make room for more. Thus, the program
accommodated more presenters in fewer sessions. Ultimately, 65 short papers were
scheduled.

More importantly, short paper presenters
themselves found the reduced time represented a gain, not a loss.

More numerous, shorter presentations
yielded more perspectives on a common theme, with space to explore the topic. A short paper panelist said "Our
papers and topics were diverse yet related, the program committee did a good
job putting us together. All agreed that we had a fine session.” Another said, "Encouraging more
discussion and briefer presentations certainly does make the sessions more
productive. I actually walked away from the session feeling like I learned
something, both of my colleagues work and of my own--giving me ideas for
further development.”

The craft of forming a shorter argument made for engaging
presentations. As one
presenter put it, "It forced me to cut the fat on my paper, which was
difficult, but after I put in the sweat, I think I was able to get my point
across in a more condensed manner.” Another said, "I
remember Amanda Dargan saying something years ago about the gifts of what she
called forced articulation. I've seen that gift play out in Diamond Sessions,
but I think the short paper panel is more comfortable for AFS members since many
of us are better prepared to give papers/lead discussions than to employ new
technology.”

Audience members liked the format, too. One meeting participant
called it "great for getting
to hear more research during the conference.” Another called short papers "a
refreshing change of pace.”